Make Earth Day Every Day

 

April 22^nd was Earth Day! Working in a united way to respect the planet is a great way to show your support for Dignity & Respect for all people. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Recycle

2. Bring a reusable bag to the grocery store

3. Use energy-saving light bulbs

4. Walk to work when the weather is nice

5. Run the dishwasher/washing machine only when it is fully loaded

6. Fully inflate your tires to save on gas

Can you think of any more tips?

Find some more Earth-friendly tips here: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/green-new-years-resolutions-10109

April is Diversity Month!

Did you know April is Diversity Month? Be creative and spread a message of inclusion to your workplace or school. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Our planet is filled with a rainbow of races and religions -- all equal in every way. It doesn't matter if you don't understand them all or even know they exist, but it does matter that you accept them all and do not judge any of them as less than worthy. We are all in this together, and our ignorance of other's beliefs is no excuse for intolerance in any form.

As we enter April, I'd like everyone to take some time to Celebrate Diversity Month. Take the time to INVOLVE yourself and others in learning about cultures and religions that are not part of your daily life. Involve your children, family, friends and neighbors; so that we may all gain a better understanding of our global family. Talk about, show examples of and become involved in celebrating diversity today and every day. There are endless possibilities of how you can do this, but here are a few examples if you need a bit of inspiration:

1. Invite friends and family over for a pot luck meal where participants bring in dishes that represent their ethnicity or their favorite ethnic foods.
2. Create a craft with your children that represents different cultures.
3. Plan an event that brings together different ethnic groups to celebrate.
4. Bring together different religious groups to learn about each other or pray for world peace together.
5. Explore different cultures through art forms, poetry, music, crafts, traditional costumes, language, etc. Have an art show featuring local, diverse artists, or a poetry reading, or a concert.
6. Rent movies that deal with diverse topics.
7. Have a display or flag ceremony of different nations' flags.
8. Read about a religion you have heard of but don't know much, if anything, about.

Read more about this holiday here: http://womens-place.com/features/celebrate_diversity_month.php

Make the Most of Your Spring in the Great Outdoors!

 

Spring is here! Time to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. Not only does outdoor exercise reap great health benefits, but studies have shown kids who love the outdoors develop better leadership skills, study habits, and a love of the natural environment:

The nature of childhood has changed. There's not much nature in it.

American childhood has moved indoors during the last two decades, taking a mental and physical toll on today’s kids. The negative impact of decreased time outdoors includes a doubling of the childhood obesity rate--accompanied by an incremental hundred billion dollar cost to our health care system--as well as declining creativity, concentration and social skills.

Some say it takes a village to raise a child. We say it takes a backyard, a playground, a park.

Studies show outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances imaginations and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. In addition, children who spend time in nature regularly are shown to become better stewards of the environment.

Read more here: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There.aspx

March’s Dignity & Respect Champion: Dwan Walker

Congratulations Dwan Walker , this month’s Dignity & Respect Champion!

When his sister, Deidre Walker, was killed in 2009, Dwan Walker knew he had to do something to make Aliquippa safe and welcoming for all. Before she died, Deidre gave Dwan the encouragement to take a stand.  He took that to heart.  He and his twin brother Donald both ran for public office in Aliquippa, and they won! Dwan is the first African American mayor of Aliquippa, and Donald is a member of city council.

Dwan took office on January 3rd and is determined to revitalize the city he calls home. He is continuously out in the community talking to residents, hearing their concerns and taking requests about how to make Aliquippa better. 

"I say there's no idea or no dream that is too small. If someone makes a suggestion about the city, I respect anything they say and work with them to find a solution together. Many times people aren't treated that way by public officials. My constituents tell me it's a breath of fresh air when they come into my office," he said

Dwan feels that treating others consideration and compassion can make an important positive impact in a community and Aliquippa is a prime example. He notices that since he took office, people are more open about sharing their ideas, hopes, and wishes, because they feel they actually have a say in how the town is run. Dwan makes sure he shows the utmost respect to everyone.  

Currently an account executive at FedEx, Dwan is a life-long Aliquippa resident with two daughters. In addition to being recognized as a Dignity & Respect Champion, Dwan has received other awards including the Jefferson Award for Public Service and the 2011 50 Men of Excellence Award. He is humbled by being selected a Champion and attributes his parents for teaching him at an early age to value all people. 

Do you know an individual who makes a positive impact and promotes an environment of inclusion? If so, nominate the person in your life you feel has made a difference for the Dignity & Respect Champion Award!